Fire Door Inspection and Surveys FAQs
A fire door inspection is a thorough assessment of fire doors to ensure they comply with fire safety regulations and are in good working condition. Fire door inspections are carried out by qualified professionals who check the door’s components, such as the fire door hinges, intumescent seals, and fire door closers, to ensure they will perform effectively during a fire. The inspection also includes checking that the fire door is correctly installed, free from damage, and closes properly. Regular fire door inspections are vital for maintaining safety and compliance with UK fire door regulations.
A fire door survey is a more detailed assessment of all the fire doors within a building. While a fire door inspection typically focuses on individual doors, a fire door survey evaluates the entire fire door system, identifying any potential issues or non-compliance with fire door regulations. During the survey, the inspector will assess whether the correct fire doors have been installed in the right locations, whether they meet the necessary fire rating (e.g., FD30 fire doors), and whether all components are functioning as required. The survey will result in a comprehensive report, which details any defects and recommendations for improvements or repairs.
The frequency of fire door surveys depends on the type of building and its usage. In general, UK fire door regulations recommend that:
Residential buildings: Annual fire door surveys are often required for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), flats, and shared accommodation, particularly in communal areas and escape routes.
Commercial buildings: Fire door surveys should be conducted every six months in high-risk environments such as hospitals, schools, and large office buildings. In lower-risk environments, an annual survey is usually sufficient.
In addition to these regular surveys, fire door inspections should be carried out whenever significant changes are made to the building, such as renovations or new installations.
A qualified fire door inspector must have specific training and certification to carry out fire door inspections in the UK. The qualifications typically include:
FIRAS Certification: FIRAS is a UKAS accredited certification scheme for companies that install and inspect fire protection systems, including fire doors. Inspectors with this certification are trained to assess the performance of fire doors and ensure compliance with fire door regulations.
BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Inspector Scheme: This qualification is recognised across the UK and provides inspectors with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out thorough fire door inspections. Inspectors who are BM TRADA-certified are experts in fire door installation, maintenance, and inspections.
IFC Certification: The International Fire Consultants (IFC) certification ensures that inspectors are competent in carrying out fire door surveys and inspections according to UK fire safety regulations.
These qualifications ensure that fire door inspectors have the expertise to identify defects and non-compliance issues effectively.
During a fire door inspection, the inspector will assess several key elements to ensure that the door complies with UK fire door regulations:
Visual Inspection: The inspector will check for any visible damage to the door, such as cracks, warping, or holes, that could compromise its fire resistance.
Door Gaps and Seals: The gaps around the fire door are measured to ensure they are within the allowable limits (typically 3-4mm). The inspector will also examine the intumescent seals to ensure they are correctly fitted and in good condition.
Fire Door Closers and Hinges: Fire door closers must ensure the door closes fully and smoothly. The inspector will also check the condition and certification of the fire door hinges to ensure they meet the required standards.
Compliance Check: The fire door will be assessed for compliance with its certification (e.g., FD30 or FD60), and any non-compliant components will be flagged for repair or replacement.
The inspection results are documented in a report, which includes any recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
The cost of a fire door inspection in the UK varies depending on several factors, including the number of fire doors being inspected and the complexity of the building. On average, a single fire door inspection can range from £30 to £80 per door. Larger buildings with multiple doors may benefit from a bulk pricing structure, reducing the overall cost per door.
In addition, comprehensive fire door surveys, which cover all fire doors within a building and provide more detailed reporting, can cost between £500 and £1,500 depending on the size of the property and the number of fire doors.
It’s important to invest in regular fire door inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and protect the safety of building occupants.
Fire door certification is a process that ensures a fire door has been manufactured, installed, and maintained according to specific safety standards. In the UK, fire doors must comply with standards such as BS 476 or EN 1634-1, which test fire resistance. Certified fire doors will have a label or plug indicating their fire rating (e.g., FD30 or FD60), as well as details about the manufacturer and testing body.
Fire door certification schemes, such as BM TRADA Q-Mark or Certifire, provide assurance that the door and its components (such as hinges, seals, and closers) meet the necessary fire resistance requirements. Certification is critical for compliance with UK fire door regulations and is an important consideration for landlords, building owners, and facility managers responsible for fire safety.